‘The Legion Of Super-Heroes’ #1 Is A Beautiful Looking Book With A Smart New Take On Fan Favourites

I have been reading The Legion of Super-Heroes for a good while now, following every iteration and reboot. But this one feels very different. And something very special too. Not since I stumbled across the highly popular run of the Legion under Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen’s stewardship in the early/mid ‘80s have I been so excited after reading an issue. And the potential for this new series, from what you’ll read. 

Yup, that’s how old I am, but with age comes a good deal of LSH reading. I’ve seen a good deal of reboots and reimagining, but this one seems to have legs. This time, I really believe we’re going to see a classic run unfold for as long as writer Joshua Williamson and artist Hayden Sherman. I can feel it in my bones.

What we get in the dramatic opening is a murder mystery with private investigators Brainiac 5 and Matter-Eating Lad on the case. That in itself is a very different take on these two characters. But then we dip into the lives of other Legionnaires-to-be such as Lightning Lad, Saturn Girl, and Cosmic Boy. The original Legionnaires. Albeit none of them has met or even thought to become superheroes, given they are banned across the galaxy. Well, all except Garth Ranzz, who’s more than happy to play at crimefighting because of his love for centuries-old comics and his belief in Superboy. It’s both familiar for longtime fans and a fresh new take for any new readers to jump on board. Of course, old-school fans like myself will be rewarded with their prior knowledge of the Legion, and in particular RJ Brande, the murder victim. But you really don’t need to know anything about this group, as this is Year Zero, and anything is possible. Y’know, like Brainy and Matter-Eating Lad being P.I.s. Williamson’s writing on this issue is vibrant, excellently paced and thoughtful. He’s clearly a fan and steeped in Legion lore. A must for any writer of this series that, back in the ’80s, was one of DC’s biggest-selling series.

As for Sherman’s art … it’s breathtakingly dynamic and refreshing in his use of bold and inventive layouts in particular, as well as the vast cast of characters and settings he has to conjure up onto the page. His character designs, like the scripting, are coolly contemporary while honouring what has come before.

Sherman’s style has adapted over the years, and this issue is evidence of his growing stature amongst contemporary comic book artists. He’s fast becoming an artist I do not want to miss out on. Here, as well as his own distinct stylings, you may well notice the inventive spirit of Moebius coursing through his brush, which only adds to the sci-fi settings and elevates the universe of the 31st century beyond anything that has come before. A universe of technology and curvaceous architecture, all framed with some effective experimental use of panel borders that put me in mind of Sherman’s contemporary, Tradd Moore. Out of the three new DC books debuting this week, it is only Legion of Super-Heroes #1 that has been building for a good while now. Ever since the birth of the Absolute Universe two years ago. But unlike other slow-burners, the anticipation for this one is matched by the end result. 

Topping it all off is the appropriately bright colour scheme provided by Tara Bonvillain, which evokes the original Silver Age teen team as well as filling the issue with promise. This brave new world may have its problems, but it’s a world full of colour and colourful characters. All finding their way in the universe and ultimately into one another’s paths. And while that is a while away, this opening issue is, in my learned opinion, flawless. Interesting new takes that still remain true to the original Legionnaires’ personalities while offering up new takes too. Something odd, something new, and something for everyone. 

If you had a friend who hasn’t read a comic in a while, make this their gateway drug to get them back into the habit. Trust me, they’ll be hooked after reading this. I know I am.  

Legion of Super-Heroes #1 is out now from DC Comics.